Dunedin South Countdown rat problem being urgently addressed

The Dunedin South Countdown store is currently dealing with a rat infestation, as confirmed by staff and first reported by the Otago Daily Times.

Despite this, the supermarket remains open, and both Countdown and the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) have assured the public the issue is being addressed urgently.

A photo published in November revealed the extent of the rodent problem, leading to customer concerns. The photo showed two large rats in the supermarket’s bacon fridge cooler.

Newshub reported seeing a rat trap behind the supermarket.

Customers weren’t happy with the response, with one suggesting that the store should have been closed for proper treatment, and another noting a noticeable decrease in patronage.

MPI told Newshub it is keeping a close watch on the situation and was confident in the supermarket’s response.

Countdown/Woolworths said it has ‘robust’ pest management strategies in place across all its stores, including Dunedin South. The company is also collaborating with pest control experts to resolve the issue.